Philosophy of Medicine & Psychiatry MA

Overview

The course provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills in the Philosophy of Medicine and Psychiatry as well as studying other fascinating areas of Philosophy, selected from a broad range of modules and covering all areas of the subject.

Geared to philosophy graduates, medical and other graduates, the course introduces them to key concepts, arguments, texts and techniques in the Philosophy of Medicine and Psychiatry.

Key benefits

• Offers a pathway into the Philosophy of Medicine and Psychiatry, particularly well suited to students whose undergraduate background is in medicine.

• Offers a wide selection of optional topics, both current and historical, covering the entire philosophical spectrum from aesthetics to logic and everything in between.

Welcome to King's

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Course detail

Description

The course provides you the opportunity to develop and demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills in the philosophy of medicine. You will also have the opportunity to study other areas of philosophy, chosen from a broad range of modules which cover all areas of the subject.

If you are converting from another subject at undergraduate level, you will be strongly encouraged to take our ‘General Philosophy’ module as one of your options, which will introduce you to key theories and arguments, concepts and terminology, and classic texts from right across the philosophical spectrum. Whether you are a philosophy graduate or studying the subject with us for the first time, our course will provide a firm foundation for subsequent doctoral research.

Over the course you will be required to study modules on the Philosophy of Medicine and The Concept of Mental Disorder, each worth 20 credits. You will also write a dissertation of around 10,000-12,000 words, on a topic in the philosophy of medicine, worth 60 credits. Aside from this, you are free to choose around four modules from the Department of Philosophy’s Master’s courses. One of these modules can be chosen from outside the Department, if permission is granted. Together these will total 180 credits.

Further literature

Course format and assessment

TeachingWe will teach you through lectures and seminars. Each optional module will take two to four hours a week, and you should ensure that you are available to attend seminars at least two days a week.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

AssessmentYou will be assessed through a combination of examination and coursework, as well as a dissertation.

Regulating bodyKing's College London is regulated by the Office for Students.

Structure

Year 1

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.

If you have no background in philosophy we will strongly encourage you to take the General Philosophy module.There are a limited number of spaces available on each optional module.

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant courses of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Entry requirements & how to apply

Philosophy of Medicine Entry Requirements

Minimum UK requirements

2:1

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in Philosophy or any other field (which may but need not be Medicine). Conversion students should show evidence of an interest in and aptitude for the subject.

In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

Application procedure

Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal apply.kcl.ac.uk and a non-refundable application fee of £60 applies.

With your application form, you must include a sample of written work totalling approximately 3,000 words. We do not routinely interview applicants, but we may call you for interview; and you are very welcome to call the department to arrange a visit. We aim to process all complete applications within four to six weeks, although this may take longer over holiday periods.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Philosophy of Medicine checklist

Personal Statement

Yes

A personal statement of up to 4,000 characters (maximum 2 pages) is required. You should use your personal statement to discuss your intentions for the programme, and the route that has led you to it.

Previous Academic Study

Yes

A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.

References

Yes

Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.

Writing Sample

Yes

Please also supply a writing sample of approximately 3,000 words with your application. The writing sample need not be a philosophy essay, as any writing that demonstrates clarity of thought and critical thinking skills can suffice. However, an essay that provided evidence of interest in philosophical concepts and argumentation would be advantageous.

Other

Optional

Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application.

Application closing date

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible. Our first application deadline is the 29 March 2019. Applications will remain open if places are available and programmes will be closed as soon as they are full.

Fees and funding

Full time Home/EU fees: £9,990 per year (2019/20)

Full time overseas fees: £21,300 per year (2019/20)

Part time Home/EU fees: £4,995 per year (2019/20)

Part time overseas fees: £10,650 per year (2019/20)

Students starting their programme in 2019/20 who are eligible to pay EU fees will pay the same rate of tuition fees as UK students. This will apply for the duration of their programme, but may be subject to change by the UK Government for subsequent cohorts from 2020/21.

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

When you receive an offer for this course you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. The deposit will be credited towards your total fee payment.

The UK/EU deposit is £500.

The INTERNATIONAL deposit is £2,000.

If you receive an offer on or before 31st March 2019, payment is due by 27th April 2019.

If you receive an offer between 1st April 2019 and 30th June 2019, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.

If you receive an offer between 1st July 2019 and 31st July 2019, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.

If you receive an offer on or after 1st August 2019, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.

If you are a current King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Financial help and support

Visit the fees and funding webpages to find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans and other financial help available at King's.

Career prospects

Our graduates usually continue to further research, but many have also entered into the fields of teaching, management and the financial or the public sectors.

Testimonials

Rodolphe

I chose King's College London because I wanted to study at a top university. It offers a world-class education as you are taught by renowned teachers in fantastic facilities and this explains its international reputation.